Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced today that the inaugural Capital Hockey Classic – an exciting college hockey double header at Capital One Arena – will debut this winter. Taking place on Thursday, December 12, the first game of the event will feature a contest between Army and Navy’s club hockey teams, followed by a matchup between Army and Penn State’s Division I programs.

Taking place in downtown D.C., this event will showcase the remarkable hockey skills of two United States military academies and Penn State University from the Big Ten. It is scheduled just days before the highly anticipated Army-Navy rivalry football game at Commanders Field on December 14.

Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE, expressed his excitement about the return of college hockey to Capital One Arena. He acknowledged the honor of hosting a college hockey showcase before the highly anticipated Army-Navy football game. Van Stone highlighted the opportunity for fans to witness the historic rivalry on the ice and then witness a matchup between two top Division I teams. He also emphasized the significance of the military in the Washington, D.C. community and the commitment of Monumental Sports & Entertainment to using sports to positively impact the lives of those who serve our country.

Capital One Arena, which previously hosted the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four, serves as the home venue for the NHL’s Washington Capitals. Alongside their ownership organization, MSE, the Capitals have remained committed to growing and improving the game of hockey from youth clinics and camps to community programming to talent development with their AHL affiliate team and 13-time Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears. 

Game times, ticketing information, and additional details about the Capital Hockey Classic will be available in the coming months at capitalonearena.com. 

The hockey program at the United States Military Academy, West Point, has been a prominent part of their athletic history since 1904. Over the years, it has gained recognition as one of the most successful college hockey teams, boasting more than 1,200 wins across various stages of the college game. The Riley family has been instrumental in leading the program, starting with Jack Riley in 1951, who was a renowned coach and won a gold medal with the USA Hockey team in 1960. His son, Rob, took over as head coach from 1986 to 2004, and then his brother, Brian Riley, assumed the position and is now entering his 21st season as head coach. Army was one of the founding members of the Atlantic Hockey Association, which recently concluded its 21-year tenure at the Division I level. This summer, the program will embark on a new chapter as it merges with College Hockey America to form ‘Atlantic Hockey America’.

Army head coach Brian Riley expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the Capital Hockey Classic against Penn State. He acknowledged the presence of numerous alumni and Army fans in the area, making it an exciting opportunity to bring the Army Hockey Team to a new location. With the Army-Navy Football Game taking place on Saturday, this match against Penn State on the ice will serve as a thrilling kickoff to the weekend.

In the 2024-25 season, Penn State will celebrate its 13th year as a Division I program. It became a varsity team in 2012-13. Last season, the Nittany Lions achieved their 200th win in program history. They have had five seasons with 20 or more wins in the last nine years, resulting in two Big Ten Championships (2017, 2020) and three NCAA Tournament appearances (2017, 2018, 2023). Prior to becoming a Division I team, Penn State competed in the ACHA from 1971-2012, winning seven National Titles, including a four-year winning streak from 2000-03. This is the third meeting between Penn State and Army in the last four seasons, with the teams set to meet again after an exciting 7-6 victory for the Nittany Lions in January. Penn State has a perfect record of 4-0-0 against the Black Knights in recent years. With a 15-18-3 record in the 2023-24 season, Penn State aims to return to the NCAA Tournament in October, with hopes of playing in Allentown.

Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky expressed his appreciation for being a part of the inaugural Capital Hockey Classic. He likened it to the renowned Army-Navy football game and considered the addition of a hockey event to be an incredible opportunity. Gadowsky eagerly anticipated the chance to expand their Hockey Valley community to the DMV area, which they have not visited before in their relatively brief existence. He acknowledged the sizable alumni base in the region and expected strong support from the Blue & White fans in D.C. Gadowsky concluded with the rallying cry, “We Are!”

Navy Club Hockey is a member of the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA) and competes in Division 1 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). In 2022, Navy emerged victorious in the ECHA Championship and in 2023, they remained unbeaten, earning a spot in the ACHA National Tournament both years. The team is under the guidance of Kevin Rooney, who recently completed his 8th season as the head coach of the Midshipmen.

Rooney expressed the Navy Hockey Team’s enthusiasm in carrying forward the esteemed tradition of the Army-Navy game. Being regarded as the finest student-athletes and leaders, they recognize the historical significance of this rivalry, which brings about an unparalleled level of competition. Moreover, they are thrilled to be a part of the Army-Navy legacy weekend alongside other hockey teams and Navy Football. With utmost readiness, they are eager to take on this intense hockey weekend at the iconic home venue of the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
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